Ethiopia: Haile-Mariam Underscores Meaningful Investment to Address Humanitarian Challenges

BY BELAY MANAYE

Addis Ababa — Prime Minister Haile-Mariam Dessalegn underscored the need for meaningful investment in Africa to help it independently cope with its humanitarian challenges.

The 8th Pan African Conference of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is taking place focusing on humanitarian issues in Africa under the theme: "Investing in Africa" here in Addis.

Opening the conference, Prime Minister Haile-Mariam said African diaspora as well as the strengthening of governmental institutions across Africa have been playing positive roles in addressing diverse humanitarian challenges the continent faces.

According to him, grassroots approaches to addressing humanitarian issues are effective. "In this regard, it is essential to place emphasis on local community strategies to deal with vulnerable groups by building community resilience," the Premier said. Besides, Haile-Mariam said, broad partnership between governments, civic society organizations and the private sector is needed to tackle humanitarian challenges without which development is unthinkable to achieve. He said Ethiopia supports the Red cross and Red Crescent priorities which are closely tied to the Millennium Development Goals.

Haile-Mariam stressed that the socially conscious policies that the government pursued will continue to be its programmes.

Ethiopian Red Cross Society President Daniel Tegenu on his part said that there is great and untapped potential within Africa to respond to today's humanitarian challenges. Daniel underlined the importance of integrated approach and grassroots network of volunteers, and especially the youth to the maximum level to greater humanitarian response.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies President Tadateru Konoe said that Societies must invest in partnerships both inside and outside their movement. He said: "Because of our auxiliary role, solid relations with governments are vital if societies are to continue to perform well and expand the work they do." He said addressing the root causes of disaster and improve resilience of populations are key to tackle humanitarian challenges.

Established in 1935, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, the host of the conference, has been playing its auxiliary role to the government and people of Ethiopia in reducing humanitarian sufferings. http://allafrica.com/stories/201210230113.html